Faction The Free Flow of Credits | THR

[Dominique Vexx]

Related Documents
Senate Bill No. 4514-RA

The full form and function of the document put before the Senate was lengthy and full of legal nuances. It had to be when it came to forming a Republic-wide Reserve System. People would have questions. Complications would arise. It was no small thing put forth in this proposal, but it was a necessary thing. The question was whether the rest of the Senate could be convinced to see it that way.

Director and Senator Dominique Vexx sat in the pod for Denon representatives with a handful of attendants and analysts as the session was called to order. They were all terribly busy people, and prone to socializing in order to get buy-in from others, so it took a moment for the clamor of voices in the Assembly to settle down. With today's Bill one she put forth, the Denonite didn't have time to admire the radiant glow of the Republic crest projected high above, or concern herself with how fashionable members of the Senate presented themselves. For herself, she wore her sharply cut, form-fitting white attire; today's business was of the utmost importance, and she wanted to reflect that seriousness in her attire.

"Delegates, Members, Honored Representatives, please direct your attention to the Bill Summary detailing the proposed High Republic Reserve System to counteract ongoing economic threats against the Republic's economies, markets, and financial institutions."

Displays and holographic projections lit up to give Senators view of what was put before discussion and vote:

• Authorize creation of the Republic Reserve System
• Formation of the High Republic Reserve Board of Governors
• Affirmation of Republic Credit
• Reserve Bank Designation
• Required membership by all Planetary-chartered Banks
• Member Bank Benefits
• Funding for the Board of Governors

Dominique rose from her seat as the summary appeared for all to consume. Denon's pod began to glide forth as her voice filled the chamber, "Ladies and gentlemen, representatives of all worlds, I thank you in advance for your attendance today. Today is a momentous day. One where the Republic establishes a system not of any one world, but of all worlds. Where our economy -- the bedrock of every purchase, every home, every ship that sails through the stars -- is granted the same security that we all seek for ourselves and loved ones."

The glareshades were particularly transparent today to enable those in attendance to see her bright gaze slowly sweep across each in attendance in turn. She stretched out her hand as she spoke in offering or inviting them. Her lightly painted lips curled upward, her voice carried warm, and without hesitation.

"Of late, this Republic has been faced with unprecedented events. It has endured challenges and crises, and will do so again. Our success is the envy of many. This is not a failure on our part, but a grand success! And yet, because of our accomplishments, there are those that will seek to destroy what we have achieved. To undermine it. Taking it for their very own. Our hard work will be wasted... unless we bolster our financial institutes to do what they do best. Provide for our many peoples."

What threats? What enemies? There were many. Some of which had even been brought before this chamber to support Aurelian's Bill No. 4417-WR. Dominique wouldn't waste their time repeating the very same he'd used, of course. Nor would she tout one, but neglect another. Each of them knew of the challenges they faced. Some even boldly put them forth in their arguments for or against other legislation. They didn't need Dominique to tell them of what she spoke. They already knew.

"Toward this end I propose the establishment of the Republic Reserve System. Twelve Banks designated by the Reserve's Board of Governors, elected from among the Reserve Bank leaders, shall act as regional stabilizing market forces. All members of the Reserve System will benefit from loans issued at reduced interest rates, receive dividends from their participation, and can rely upon their Reserve Bank as a lender of last resort. This Reserve System will resist any efforts by outsiders at increasing inflation, stymie issuance of loans, denying the distribution of credits from our Mints, and manipulating our stock markets. None of our planets will ever need to stand alone again against such insidious and invisible threats to our ways of life."

Both hands stretched out toward the chamber, Dominique closed with, "And together, our worlds will grow to new heights."

With that, Dominique lowered her hands and had the pod drift back from the center of the chamber. With a confident smile, chin high, Dominique awaited the discussion that would follow.

 

[Sentapoth Findos]

​

The Neimoidian had been absent from the Assembly due to rapidly changing events at home on Neimoidia as the Imperial Occupation tightened its grip with the assistance of the Trade Federation conglomerate. He had hardly any time to gather his belongings and relocate to Affa before the borders were sealed to outsiders, as the conflict with the Galactic Alliance obstructed several key hyperspace lanes.

While this did not significantly impact the High Republic's economy overall, there remained an opportunity to explore new hyperspace routes in the interim. Speaking of the High Republic's economy, Senator Dominique Vexx presented her legislation to the assembly, known as Bill No. 4417-WR. This bill was compact yet contained numerous paragraphs that were deliberately vague and deceptive, aimed at confusing the more narrow-minded members of the legislature.

Sentapoth picked up on these outliers as soon as the bill had crossed the terminal, knowing when and where to strike at in order to increase the Trade Federation's interest in the region at the expense of Denon and Priddy General Manufacturing. His boney finger tapped the console to move his pod forward to the center of the room to make his counterargument.

"Senators and Junior Representatives, while I applaud Senator Vexx's vigilance in elevating the Republic's economic system through the High Republic Reserve System but there are many concerns that need to be addressed, as this legislation introduces new and unintended risks to sovereignty, autonomy, and the financial stability of our member-worlds." Sentapoth started to explain with a firm tone of voice, acknowledging Denon's concerns but informing the assembly that there are certain complications within the bill that would put undue pressure on member-worlds.

"The first concern that must be focused on is the contradiction between anti-monopoly rhetoric and a pro-monopoly bill. Senator Vexx says that this will protect against monopolization but in practice it forces every planetary bank into a unified structure. This does not sound like protection but the creation of a super banking monopoly on the entire credit system of the Republic." He said with a sweeping gesture, aiming to highlight that the legislation would inherently establish a monopoly, thereby consolidating the entire economic framework within a single entity.

"Additionally, in your speech to this chamber. Senator Vexx you make it sound like the governors are chosen from among the banks themselves. But the legislation clearly says in Article V. Governors are appointed by the Chancellor of the High Republic and confirmed by the Senate for staggered 14-year terms. It begs to question weather you have read your own bill before bringing it to this chamber?" The Neimoidian immediately recognized this opportunity and sought to take advantage of it. Presenting your adversary as unprepared is an effective strategy to persuade the remainder of the assembly that their arguments lack substance.

 

[Graham Deras]

(Delete)

 

[Decarii Tithe]

High Assembly Convocation Hall
Theed, Naboo

Dominique Vexx | Sentapoth Findos

It was basically Life Day for Decarii Tithe.

She was Aargauun by birth and a lawyer by profession. While she was most at home in the courtroom, credits almost literally ran in her veins. Her family name may have been associated with the world of galaxy high finance, but her law firm, Blackwell, Pa’get and Tithe, was ascendant, and her work advising the senators of the High Assembly was gaining prominence.

To work on both at the same time was a dream come true.

Decarii arrived early to the High Assembly chamber and took her customary seat in the legal advisers pod, ready to answer technical questions from Senators and provide expert opinion to their staffers. She watched as the session was called to order and the indomitable Senator Vexx took to the floor to table her reserve banking legislation. While the pair had survived Black Sun thugs and Sith assassins on Wielu, a day in the High Assembly always promised to hold even greater bloodshed.

While strongly in favour of the free market - and having her own pecuniary interest as a member of the Trade Federation - Decarii conceded that the bill was elegant in its simplicity. A stable High Republic economy was an overall boon for business. The legislation also opened the door for the Trade Federation to assert its influence and seize lucrative regional banking contracts. There was even the potential for the new banking board to endorse the Trade Federation Credit if sufficient bribes or blackmail could be procured.

Senator Findos rose to attack the proposal. Decarii would expect nothing less from the firebrand Neimoidian.

“We own bank on Affa right?” she messaged to Findos, favoured her personal AvCorp encrypted comlink over the communicator issued by the Judicial Committee. The conversation was best had off the record and away from the conflicts of interest registry. “Need to stack new board. BIG creds to be made. Float TF currency?”

A lot of money was about to be made in High Republic space. Decarii would be a traitor to her name if she let the opportunity pass her by.

 

[Tristan Evore]

DELIRIUM​

The chamber stirred with restlessness. The debate over Bill No. 4417-WR had dragged, and patience was thinning. It was then that the pod of Senator Tristan Evore of Cybros glided into the center. He stood at its prow like a conductor before an orchestra, his tall frame draped in dark robes, his hands folded loosely as if he had all the time in the galaxy.​

​

"These are questions she cannot answer because the bill is flawed," he thundered, his voice filling the chamber. The echo carried not like an argument, but like judgment. A murmur rippled through the assembly. Even those who did not know him straightened in their pods.​

​

Evore raised a hand, palm outward. "I do not oppose unity. I oppose false unity. The Reserve System, as written, is not a safeguard. Iit is a chokehold! It would strip worlds of sovereignty under the guise of protection. It is no bulwark against monopoly; it is the monopoly." His tone sharpened on the last word, the syllables cutting like glass.​

​

Too harsh, whispered a voice -- soft, indulgent, coaxing. They will recoil if you wound them this early.​

​

"Protection," Evore continued, adjusting mid-sentence as if in response to some invisible cue, "must be mutual, voluntary, and transparent. The Republic cannot endure on coercion dressed as stability. We must trust our citizens enough to let them breathe."​

​

Good, came a firmer reply within, measured and grave. Balance the lash with balm. They must want to follow you, not fear you.​

​

The chamber hushed as Evore paced within his pod, his robe trailing behind him. He gestured toward Senator Vexx. "She tells us governors will be chosen among the banks. Yet Article V says otherwise. They are chosen by the Chancellor, confirmed by this body, bound to fourteen years. Fourteen! I ask you, Senators: is this democracy, or is this entrenchment?"​

​

Shuffling. Some of the bill's supporters shifted uncomfortably.​

​

Yes, press them. Tighten the screws, one voice whispered, sharp and eager.​

No, not yet, another countered, calm and sly. Leave them room to retreat. Victory is sweeter when they choose to yield.​

A third roared with venom: Crush them all. Burn the bill to ash.​

And then, softer still, a fourth urged: Patience. Always patience. Let them sweat.​

​

Evore raised his hand again and, almost theatrically, lowered his thumb in a broad, deliberate motion. The gesture was intended to strike the chamber like a gavel. The message was unmistakable: Cybros would see this bill condemned.
​

He did not await a reaction from the Senate. Instead, as his pod glided back toward the periphery, he froze where he stood, shoulders square, chin lifted, a smile fixed upon his lips as though carved there. His eyes did not search the chamber for approval; they were distant, unfocused, listening.​

​

The applause swelled. Thunderous, unanimous, and rapturous -- but not from his fellow Senators. It rose from within, from the parliament convened in the hollows of his mind. They cheered him, exalted him, lauded his victory. We are just beginning, my friends.​

Dominique Vexx | Sentapoth Findos | Decarii Tithe​

 

[Joa Sodi]

THE FREE FLOW OF CREDITS
Theed, Naboo

The risk of monopolies was always there. Even before Senator Vexx’s proposal—when the Republic was still Royal Naboo and not yet High—notoriously monopolistic engines of capitalism such as the Confederacy of Independent Systems and the Trade Federation were prominent in the early years. The former of those even folded into the Republic itself to form the backbone of the Corporatist Party. Now, the capitalist bloc is affirmed by the absorption and continuation of the Corporate Sector Authority’s… well, authority. It was never too late for change, at least in Joa’s mind, but change had been conveniently postponed if now was the time to start resisting.

Ironically, though, Senator Sodi of Quarzite had very few qualms with the bill as-written.

“The people of Quarzite utilize an obscure currency that few outside our system will accept—a barrier that many worlds in the Mid and Outer Rim must overcome to participate fully in galactic commerce.” Joa nodded matter-of-factly, looking upon the room with pale-pink eyes that held a spark of light in them.

Her senatorial pod drifted lazily into the open chamber, an intimidating space to be but exhilarating all the same. “I do not believe it is a monopoly to provide Republic worlds with the framework to exchange their local currencies for a standard credit. Quarzite enjoyed an economic stimulus when the Rimward Trade League accepted our dataries for League talons while allowing us to freely circulate local currency in our system as we always have.”

A hand gestured toward Sentapoth Findos as Joa continued. “But I do agree with Senator Findos regarding the appointments. Perhaps the Chancellor can nominate these individuals and the Senate can vote for or against the nominees? If their qualifications or credentials are questionable, I should like to voice my concerns. The Reserve would be a federal institution, after all.” A pause, then her second qualm.

“Fourteen years is longer than most senators care to serve. Even our beloved High Chancellor is not afforded such a lengthy term of service. I presume the staggered terms is a safeguard against a new chancellor stacking the Reserve with appointees, but this can be prevented with my previous assessment that seats in the Reserve should be filled with nominees from the chancellor who are voted in by the Senate. Their terms should be lower. I propose a four-year staggered term.”

She eyed the terminal before her carefully. “Furthermore, I see no verbiage that forces all banks to capitulate; correct me if I’m misunderstanding, Senator Vexx, but the bill states that planetary-chartered banks—that is, banks authorized by planetary governments—are required to participate. Whereas regional or district institutions which are non-federal have the option to participate. Is that correct?”

Tags: Decarii Tithe | Dominique Vexx | Sentapoth Findos | Tristan Evore | SENATE​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"If it would please the Assembly, Article V Paragraph 2 may be amended to clarify that the Governors are nominated by the Chancellor and confirmed by the Senate. The Chair and Vice-Chair are chosen by the Chancellor, as those seats become available, from among sitting Governors, however." Dominique slowly scanned the audience. "I appreciate the concern, and everyone's close attention to detail, but rest assured the Bill is internally consistent. Later sections proscribe the means by which the first Governors shall be chosen, as the Board does not yet exist, and the appropriate staggering to prevent any single Administration from having undue influence over the Reserve System." They were free to read thirty page legalese in all its minutiae based on similar systems, of course; Dominique hadn't added any clauses in her self-interest.

"This Reserve System should, in my estimation and as written, not be filled by Senators. As some have already called to account, there is a concern of political malfeasance or shenaniganry should Governors hold political affiliation or be unduly beholden to any one interest. The Governors should, therefore, be independent from this body. They should remain free to enact guidance and make economic decisions within the System to ensure the full and unimpeded flow of credit and the market without concern for political overtones and appearances. Likewise, their long-term helps avoid mingling their decisions with any particular party or concern for their own seat." Dominique paused for a moment. "In fact, Governors only receive a single-term." Now she paused for an even longer duration.

"The objective of this Reserve System, fellow Senators, is stability. Not self promotion, elevation, or enrichment. We give those that have shown unwavering ability in their chosen field the means to implement their sound practices throughout the High Republic. They have led large and prosperous banks from across our many worlds, and will ensure the prosperity they brought to their own people may be enjoyed by all."

She turned to look at a particular Senator, "Senator Sodi of Quarzite, I appreciate your interest in the proposal. You are correct. Planetary-chartered financial institutions with the long history and stability of their standing shall be required to participate. This eschews favoritism in membership, grants immediate level-playing field so that no competitor rises above another, and that all receive the same benefits as part of the System. Meanwhile, more localized institutes are given the option to join. Some may specialize in certain, more targeted fields and not feel it prudent to invest in the Reserve System. Of course, I hope many would avail themselves of the System and its benefits, but should the worst case scenario occur, any instability inserted into non-member institutions would have an isolated effect on the market."

Sentapoth Findos | Decarii Tithe | Tristan Evore | Joa Sodi | OPEN​

 

[Sentapoth Findos]

​

The Neimoidian succeeded in taking the offensive; however, it would require far more than mere allegations of incompetence to unseat Senator Dominique Vexx of Denon. She promptly addressed the concerns raised by Senator Tristan Evore and Senator Joa Sodi , as though she had known about potential complications within the bill.

His eyes shifted downward to the datapad he held, perusing the message from Decarii Tithe . By all measures, she was indeed the daughter of the former Chancellor, possessing both the weight of her name and her accomplished career, which would enable her to swiftly assume a powerful role in the High Republic should she choose to take on that responsibility.

"We own bank on Affa right? Need to stack new board. BIG creds to be made. Float TF currency?"

He realized that the Planet of Affa might serve as the focal point to seize control of the Reserve System from Denon's allies by promoting the notion that the Trade Federation Standardize Credit was already in use and could be implemented right away, rather than the member-worlds having to wait for the establishment of a High Republic Credit.

He tapped a reply into the datapad and hit send, "We will have a much better chance of stacking the Trade Federation Credit if we motion for the Reserve System to be placed underneath the supervision of the InterGalactic Banking Clan. An accredited institution with guaranteed neutrality. My associate is the Deputy Director of the organization, Sossi Hallisk ."

Sentapoth's pod slid forward with a press of a button. "I thank Senator Vexx for her clarifications. Yet I cannot help but observe that within minutes of her bill's presentation, we are already asked to amend it. If a law requires immediate patchwork simply to reconcile what is spoken with what is written, then the law was not ready for this chamber. And if clarity is lacking in its most crucial articles, what confidence can we have in the stability it promises?" Sentapoth began, aiming to ensure that the chamber would not overlook the fact that the Senator for Denon sought to amend the bill immediately, as she had forgotten the contents of her own proposal prior to delivering her opening speech.

He gestured with his right hand as a way to draw the other senator's attention. "Senator Vexx tells us the Governors shall be independent. Yet it is the Chancellor alone who nominates them. Can an appointment by a political office-holder ever be free of politics? Are we to pretend that such appointments will not favor allies, reward loyalty, or strengthen the Chancellor's hand over our economy for a generation? If we truly value independence, then let independence be written into the law, not merely spoken here as a hopeful sentiment."

Normally the Neimoidian would not become overly concerned with the minor aspects of a proposal that would be advantageous for the Planet of Affa and the Trade Federation. However, undermining an adversary, even at a personal cost, to make them appear foolish was deemed a worthwhile sacrifice of a few credits.

"Given the various problems with Bill No. 4417-WR. I make a motion to have the Republic Credit System officially managed by a branch of the InterGalactic Banking Clan, a well known lender with firm financial backing. They are not tied to one faction or another and therefore would be able to adjust rates, extend credit and provide the same type of stability without the drawbacks this proposal would entail on our Republic."

 

[Ravion Corvalis]

​

The Senate dome was a storm of light and motion. Hundreds of representatives from ever more Republic worlds, each housed in pods filled with the symbols of sovereignty: robes, banners, and the glitter of ambition. In the upper levels, the private booths were quieter, cocooned from the spectacle by shields of tinted transparisteel.

Ravion Corvalis sat upon the invitation of one of the newer among them: Senator Varrik Harvoon of Bestine IV. A broad-shouldered Bestinian, his tunic still bore the subtle stiffness of fresh tailoring, as though he had yet to grow into the robes of office. He carried himself with military straightness; a relic of his years commanding Bestine’s defense fleet, but Ravion paid more attention to his hands that were betraying him, lingering too long on the datapad before him, scrolling once more through the text of Senate Bill 4514-RA.

Ravion poured two glasses from the decanter set between them, a Naboo brandy that caught the light like fire amber. He slid one across the low table with the kind of grace that made it feel less like an offer and more like inevitability. Varrik wasn’t the first senator to invite Ravion into their confines, he also wouldn’t be the last. The art dealer had a way with the upper echelon, he was a friend they all wanted and his price was influence.

“You’ve read it a dozen times now,” Ravion said, his voice measured, pleasant, and almost distracted as though he were making idle conversation. “This High Republic Reserve Act.”

Harvoon accepted the glass but didn’t drink. “It just seems… large in scope. Centralizing. Bestine has always valued its independence in matters of credit. We built our shipyards on self-reliance. My people are wary.”

Ravion inclined his head, conceding the point with practiced grace. “And rightly so. No one wishes for a choke chain around their planet’s markets. But tell me, Senator; who would you rather hold the keys to your world’s loans? The Republic Reserve… or the Trade Federation?”

That name landed with the quiet weight Ravion had intended. Harvoon’s jaw tightened. His family shipyard consortium had seen lean years under the Federation’s thumb, contracts delayed, fees inflated, promises rescinded.

“The Federation has deep pockets,” Harvoon said cautiously. “And deeper influence outside of the High Republic sphere.”

“Influence,” Ravion echoed, with a faint smile. “That is the trouble, isn’t it? Influence can be purchased. Markets can be cornered. Entire systems leaned on until they forget their sovereignty. It would not be the first time the Trade Federation discovered profit in weakness.”

He sipped his brandy, letting the silence stretch until it became thought.

“This bill,” Ravion continued at last, voice soft, “if you ask my professional opinion, does not strip Bestine IV of control. It guarantees that when storms come, there are twelve pillars across the Republic to brace against collapse. Distributed. Balanced. If one falters, the others stand. That is stability. That is strength. Power to allow others to take the burden.”

Harvoon frowned, thinking, his thick fingers drumming once against the glass. Ravion leaned forward slightly, his tone still conversational but threaded with just enough earnestness to sound unscripted.

“You will find the Senate is full of those who smile while they count the debts you owe them. Back this Act, and you will owe no one. Not the Federation. Not the guilds. Not even your fellow senators. You will owe only your people; the very independence you swore to protect.”

Harvoon’s gaze drifted back to the chamber floor, where the pods wheeled like stars around the Chancellor’s rostrum. At length, he closed the datapad with a quiet snap.

“Perhaps you are right,” he murmured, more to himself than to Ravion. “Bestine IV must not be beholden. We’ve bled enough for our independence. You should consider a career in politics, Ravion, you would be well suited.”

Ravion’s smile deepened by a fraction, polite and unremarkable. He raised his glass to avoid the smile breaking any further.

“To sovereignty,” he said.

Harvoon lifted his in return, this time taking a measured sip. “To Democracy.”

"Yes. To Democracy."

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

Dominique Vexx Cennero Greejatus Joa Sodi Sentapoth Findos Decarii Tithe Tristan Evore Ravion Corvalis ​

Senator Enarc's pod moved forward, the Ithorian's broad head tilting slightly as both mouths opened, his words carrying in the deep stereo tones of his kind.

"I have listened to Senator Vexx, to Senator Findos, to Senator Evore, and to Senator Sodi. Each has spoken with conviction. But after reflection, I stand in support of this measure."

His large hands rested on the rail, fingers curling once before he steadied them.

"Yes, the InterGalactic Banking Clan offers reach and neutrality. But if the Republic cannot govern its own reserve, then we weaken ourselves. The foundation of our economy must be ours. Later, when stability is secured, we may coordinate with the Banking Clan to set fair exchange rates, even with the Galactic Standard Credit, but the root must remain in our soil."

Sarn swayed gently as he spoke, the motion natural to his people.

"We are on the brink of war. The galaxy will not wait for us. To delay is to invite weakness. Let us establish this Reserve now, and refine it as needed. Stability cannot be borrowed; it must be grown."

He bowed his head once, firm and final.

"I urge this chamber to move to a vote. Our fleets may hold the borders, but it is credit, steady and ours, that will keep them standing."

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique smiled even as Findos sought to call to question the legislation. If the worst the bill required was the exchange of a single word just to clarify its intention that should be considered a monumental success. There were bills passed with countless notes scribbled in the margins -- some of them illegible as passed -- in any number of legislative bodies in the galaxy. Despite what some believed, governance was difficult.

He went on to call for independence to be written into the law. A curious proposal. Was he concerned about the adverb 'mostly' before 'independently' in Article V? She could point out that he just finished complaining about the modification (or addition) of a single word just a moment ago, but that would be a fool's errand; the Senator would just refer back to a prior point suggesting the bill wasn't ready as though amendments were unheard of in the Assembly. It was difficult to claim complete independence; after all, the Governors had to coordinate and weigh the impacts of policy changes with actions and needs of the High Republic itself.

While Sarn was not typically a mighty influencer of the chamber, the Ithorian often addressed the chamber and had his supporters. Better yet, the man had a surprising intellect even if he was not known for being bold or bombastic as other Senators. Sibylla had obviously helped him become an effective Senator in spite of his personal challenges. It was therefore uplifting to hear the man speak in support. Not in isolating the Republic from the wider galactic economy, of course, but in ensuring their local markets were not so easily plundered.

"Thank you, Senators, for your time and consideration in these matters. Rest assured, that while the Board of Governors is independent this body retains the legislative power to enact change to the system as necessary to adapt to changes in the market and within the Republic. I second the motion that Senate Bill No. 4514-RA," Dominique added a slight inflection to the bill number as the Neimodian had referred to Aurelian's prior bill moments ago, "be brought to a vote."

Cennero Greejatus | Decarii Tithe | Joa Sodi | Ravion Corvalis | Sentapoth Findos | Sibylla Abrantes | Tristan Evore​